This Week in Startups

David Brown, CEO and co-founder of Techstars, discusses the shift to virtual accelerator programs and the key strategies for sustaining success post-COVID. He shares insights on the ideal number of companies per cohort and the impact of remote models on global entrepreneurship. Brown highlights how personal relationships are often as vital as metrics in funding decisions and explains how Techstars selects mentors by prioritizing feedback from mentees. He also explores the potential for more entrepreneurs to emerge in a post-pandemic world and addresses the dynamics of B2B versus B2C startups.

Ilir Sela, Founder and CEO of Slice, shares insights from his journey supporting small pizza businesses. He discusses the challenges Mom & Pop shops face in scattered markets and the impact of COVID on the restaurant industry. Ilir emphasizes the need for trust and technological support to help these businesses thrive. He also explores growth opportunities in diverse markets and shares his thoughts on the future of the restaurant landscape, highlighting innovative loyalty programs targeting ethnic cuisine.

Zach Coelius, managing partner at Colias Capital, and Sam Parr, founder of The Hustle newsletter, dive into the drama of Barstool Sports vs. Call Her Daddy, highlighting the financial maneuvers behind the scenes. They unpack SoftBank's staggering $17B loss and discuss how founder focus affects investments. The conversation shifts to TikTok's new strategic hire from Disney, raising questions about its rapid growth. Lastly, they explore Facebook's move into e-commerce with Shops and speculate on Amazon's potential acquisition of AMC Theatres.

David Sacks, founder of Craft Ventures and former PayPal COO, joins fellow entrepreneur David Friedberg to discuss the modern geopolitical landscape, particularly the rising tensions between the US and China. They delve into the economic recovery from the pandemic and the potential for mass migration out of cities like San Francisco. The duo also tackles the politicization of pandemic responses, examining how these factors have reshaped urban living and the future of commercial real estate in major metropolises.

Josh Baer, CEO and Founder of Capital Factory, shares his insights as a pivotal figure in Austin’s startup landscape. He discusses the challenges of transitioning to remote operations amidst COVID-19 and the impact of canceling major events like SXSW. Josh also explores how startups are adapting with rolling cohorts and engaging Slack communities. He emphasizes the importance of backing talented founders, reflecting on the traits he values most. His experiences reveal both mistakes and learnings that have shaped his journey through economic downturns.

Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal, co-hosts of Acquired.fm, dive into hot topics like Clubhouse's jaw-dropping $100M pre-launch valuation. They discuss the implications of secondary shares and whether the valuation was justifiable. The duo explores Joe Rogan's game-changing move to Spotify and what it means for the podcast industry. They also dissect the chaotic food delivery market, Uber's challenges, and Facebook's acquisition of GIPHY, questioning the sustainability of ad-based models in today’s landscape.

Elizabeth Yin, Co-founder and General Partner of Hustle Fund, shares her insights on fundraising and venture capital tailored for early-stage startups. She tackles pressing questions from founders, exploring effective customer acquisition strategies and the importance of product-market fit. Elizabeth also discusses how the pandemic has influenced investment criteria, particularly in innovative sectors. Her advice on building investor relationships and adapting strategies during crises is invaluable for entrepreneurs navigating today's challenges.

Dan Pupius, CEO and co-founder of Range, shares his insights on improving remote work. He discusses collaborating with Evan Williams and the benefits of diverse co-founders. Pupius offers invaluable product development advice, emphasizing adaptability and user-centered design. He explores building a mission-driven culture in remote teams and the unique challenges these setups face. Gain practical tips for cultivating effective communication and enhancing productivity in a distributed environment!

Sean O’Sullivan, Managing General Partner of SOSV, dives into the world of capital-intensive accelerators focusing on hardware and life sciences. He shares insights on adapting operations in China during COVID and the unique advantages of in-person accelerator cohorts. Sean discusses SOSV's innovative follow-on strategies and the emergence of cell-based meat, predicting when it might rival traditional options. He also reflects on modern food science’s potential to revolutionize taste and address global food availability challenges.

Ilir Sela, Founder and CEO of Slice, shares insights on how his platform empowers local pizzerias by digitizing orders and implementing a unique reverse franchise model. He discusses the struggles small pizzerias faced during the pandemic and the impactful 'Pizza vs. Pandemic' initiative. Ilir also delves into the challenges of high delivery fees from major apps and how Slice stands out with lower costs. Plus, he reflects on raising over $40M in Series C funding amidst these challenges and the future of remote work in the pizza industry.